Steve Kleber has never interviewed for a job or written a resume before.

Now president of Kleber and Associates in Sandy Springs, he majored in advertising at the University of Georgia, and first got an internship while still in college for an advertising firm.

The company hired him on after he graduated and he worked there for seven years, eventually managing the company before starting his own firm in 1987. Kleber graduated from Riverwood High School and currently lives in Sandy Springs with his wife Jamie, 13-year-old daughter Morgan and 11-year-old son Shane.

“When I started, it was just me and a desk I rented for $500,” he said.

Now the firm averages 12 to 18 employees and serves clients in the home-building industry, including Masonite Doors, Walpole and the building products division of Sauder Woodworking.

Though Kleber said he intended on going to law school when he first started college, he believed his career path was consistent with that of an attorney’s.

“Both professions involve creative use of the truth,” said Kleber. “Law influences the jury, while advertising is meant to influence the court of public opinion.”

The company’s motto is “Building better brands that build a better home since 1987.”

“Growing up, some of the most successful people I knew were in real estate,” said Kleber. “Since your home is your most important investment, I’m in a sustainable business.”

Kleber recently hired Diane Brower as vice president of strategy and integrated communications.

The Atlanta mother of three sons and a 5-year-old daughter said the work environment at the company is informal, collaborative and intimate.

“We all work very closely together,” she said.

She attributes the firm’s success to the fact that it is not one-dimensional and researches its clients’ products intensely.

“We do our homework,” said the UGA grad, who has worked for corporations such as Georgia-Pacific and Owens Corning. “We learn the product, the market and the distribution channels. … We also pair experienced professionals alongside digital natives.”

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